GRAND SEIKO Ref.4522-8000

COMMENT

第二精工舎により1969年に製造された手巻きのグランドセイコー。通称45GSです。ケースは多面カットのキャップゴールド製。鏡面とヘアラインの仕上げが切り替えられた秀逸な意匠です。ダイアルはシルバーのサンレイ。バーインデックス×ドルフィンハンドの組み合わせはクラシカルです。針やインデックスはセンターにブラックを配しており、ゴールドのしっとりとした表情を崩さず、しっかりとした読時を可能にしています。搭載ムーブメント4522AはVFAや天文台クロノメーターのベースとなった最高峰のムーブメントです。69年の12月にクオーツ時計によって時計の世界が移ろう時代、第二精工舎が技術の集大成として製造した、最後にして最高峰の結晶と言えるでしょう。

BRAND

グランドセイコーは1960年から世界最高級の腕時計を作り出すという決意から誕生し、伝統あるセイコーのスタイルを継承しながらも、腕時計の本質を追求し、進化を続ける最高峰のブランドです。

COMMENT

This manual-winding Grand Seiko was produced by Daini Seikosha in 1969 and is commonly known as the 45GS. The multi-faceted gold-capped case combines polished and brushed surfaces, giving it a particularly refined finish. The silver dial features a sunburst finish, paired with applied baton indexes and classic dolphin hands. Black accents run through the centers of the hands and indexes, improving legibility while preserving the subdued character of the gold-tone details. Inside is the Cal. 4522A, a high-grade movement that also served as the foundation for Seiko’s VFA and Observatory Chronometer developments. Produced at a time when the watch industry was about to enter a new era with the arrival of quartz watches in December 1969, the 45GS represents one of the final and most highly developed expressions of Daini Seikosha’s mechanical watchmaking.

The case remains in beautiful condition, showing only very minor scratches from use. The markings on the crown and caseback remain clearly preserved. The dial is also in excellent condition with no noticeable scratches, and the applied logo retains its original brightness without tarnishing. The hands and indexes remain equally well preserved, while the black printing on the dial is complete and clearly defined. Fully serviced by our watchmaker.

The 45GS is closely tied to Seiko’s efforts to challenge the established Swiss watch industry at the highest levels of precision watchmaking, giving the model considerable historical interest in addition to its technical qualities.

Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha in Kameido developed their watches independently while competing with and pushing one another technically. From this rivalry came the automatic 61GS from Suwa Seikosha and the manual-winding 45GS from Daini Seikosha. The movement family behind the 45GS was also used in Seiko’s entries for observatory chronometer competitions, where the company achieved notable results and ultimately went on to offer Observatory Chronometer models commercially. This period remains an important chapter in Seiko’s pursuit of precision and in the broader history of Japanese mechanical watchmaking.

BRAND

Grand Seiko was established in 1960 with the ambition of creating watches at the highest level of quality. While carrying forward Seiko’s long-established watchmaking traditions, the brand has continued to refine its approach to precision, legibility, durability, and finishing in pursuit of the essential qualities of the wristwatch.